Converting Rails to Trails in Yakima
Otak’s water resources engineers, as a subconsultant to 2KS Consulting, were hired to help the City of Yakima determine the feasibility of turning the City-owned Yakima Valley Transit Bridge into a pedestrian bridge over the Naches River. Once converted, this 324-foot bridge will allow commuting and recreation access for cyclists and pedestrians to the regional William O’Douglas Trail System via the Yakima Greenway. Scour analyses were completed by Otak to determine the effectiveness of the existing rip-rap at protecting the piers from severe scour. Recommendations included a plan of action for monitoring and bridge closures during high flows and proper rip-rap sizing and configuration.
